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MR flow imaging in vascular malformations using gradient recalled acquisition
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Gradient recalled echo (GRE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively visualizes intracranial vascular lesions. This technique shows blood flow but is limited by hemosiderin, which causes signal dropout.
Area of Science:
- Neuroradiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Vascular Imaging
Background:
- Intracranial vascular lesions require accurate imaging for diagnosis and management.
- Standard imaging techniques like spin-echo MR, CT, and angiography have limitations in visualizing certain vascular characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of gradient recalled echo (GRE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for assessing intracranial vascular lesions.
- To compare the performance of GRE MR imaging with conventional methods.
Main Methods:
- Twenty patients with suspected intracranial vascular lesions underwent GRE MR imaging.
- GRE imaging parameters included a short TR (40 msec) and partial flip angles (60-70 degrees).
- Results were compared with spin-echo MR, CT, and angiography.
Main Results:
- GRE MR imaging demonstrated flow-related enhancement in vascular structures in most cases.
- Exceptions included slow flow in parallel venous structures, causing signal void.
- GRE imaging effectively differentiated flowing blood from calcium or air and delineated vessels near the skull.
- Hemosiderin presence resulted in significant signal dropout due to magnetic susceptibility effects.
Conclusions:
- Gradient recalled echo (GRE) MR imaging is a valuable tool for evaluating intracranial vascular lesions.
- Its sensitivity to flow-related enhancement aids in vascular delineation.
- The technique's limitation is its susceptibility to signal loss in the presence of hemosiderin.